Siege of Jerusalem - Vespasian

Vespasian (AD 69-79). AR denarius (19mm, 3.40 gm, 7h). NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 79. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head of Vespasian left / TR POT X-COS VIIII, radiate figure standing facing, grounded spear in right hand, parazonium in left, atop rostral column ornamented with ships' prows and a large anchor. RIC II 120. Wisps of mint toning on hematite dies. $14,640. The lifetime issue was Vespasian's last. Here.

Descended from a family of small entrepreneurs and tax farmers in the Sabine hill country north of Rome, Flavius Vespasianus was born in AD 9 and rose to prominence in the Roman Army. He gained distinction during Claudius' invasion of Britain in AD 43-44 and won a Consulship in AD 51, but fell from imperial favor when he dozed off during one of Nero's musical performances. When a Jewish faction in the province of Judaea rebelled and massacred the local Roman garrison in AD 66, Nero sent Vespasian at the head of three legions to crush the revolt. Through his able son Titus, Vespasian gained the friendship and support of Mucianus, governor of Syria, who had another three legions at his disposal. The collapse of Nero's regime in AD 68 led to many claims, with Galba, Otho, and Vitellius following in quick succession, Vespasian ultimately won supreme power.

June 23rd in ancient Rome marks the death of Emperor Vespasian in 79 CE. A pivotal figure, Vespasian founded the Flavian Dynasty. He is best remembered for commissioning the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre). Nearing his death, he famously joked, "Vae, puto deus fio" ("Oh dear, I think I'm becoming a god"). Iudaea Devicta is 'Defeat of Judea.'

In 70 CE Roman forces led by son and future emperor Titus breached the second of three fortified walls surrounding Jerusalem.

The first coin attributed to Pompey is a rare gold aureus, probably issued at Rome on his triumph in 71 BCE. Five are known.

In 63 BC Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem. The Romans intially ruled through a local client king but later Jerusalem became a directly ruled province, marked by oppressive governors. Discord culminated in 66 CE in the First Jewish Revolt. The revolt was successful at first: Jewish forces quickly expelled the Romans from Jerusalem, and a revolutionary government was formed. Nero sent general Vespasian to meet the Jewish forces, an endeavour that pushed the majority of the rebels into Jerusalem by the time Vespasian was proclaimed emperor in 69 CE.

In April 70 CE Roman general Titus besieged Jerusalem. Coinciding with Passover, the Romans allowed pilgrims to enter the city but refused to let them leave—thus depleting supplies in Jerusalem. Within the walls, the militant Zealots struggled with other Jewish factions, which weakened the resistance further. The Romans encircled the city with a wall to cut off supplies to the city completely. The Flavians seized power amidst the Year of the Four Emperors in 69 CE, and used the conquest of Jerusalem as imperial propaganda. Judaea Capta coinage was issued in all denominations.

The immense wealth plundered from the Temple helped finance monuments in Rome, including the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus.

By August 70 CE the Romans had breached the final defenses and massacred much of the remaining population. They also destroyed the Second Temple. The loss of the Temple is still mourned by Jews today during the fast of Tisha be-Av.

Relief on the Arch of Titus depicting temple spoils of 71 CE.

In 2017 excavations at Mount Zion in Jerusalem discovered a gold coin bearing the likeness of Roman Emperor Nero. The coin had been struck in either 56 and 57 AD. The aureus bears the portrait of a young Nero as Caesar. Researchers said that the coin was likely part of a Jewish store of wealth, hidden before their mansions were razed – along with the rest of the city – by Titus and the Roman legions. The coin was likely overlooked by looting Roman soldiers.